Democrats regained control of the House in 2018, and these individuals are now embarking on a fresh assignment.
In the year 2018, the Democrats regained control of the House, ending eight years of Republican rule, with the assistance of numerous candidates boasting national security backgrounds. These individuals promised to act as a counterbalance to the first Trump administration.
Fast forward to the present, two of these successful candidates—Abigail Spanberger from Virginia and Mikie Sherrill from New Jersey—are embarking on a new mission: running for governor. This comes after the return of President Donald Trump to power.
As the Democrats work to improve their faltering relationship with voters, the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey will provide crucial insights for the party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The campaigns of Spanberger and Sherrill could offer valuable insights to future candidates as they try to discern the electorate's sentiments, a year following Trump's 2024 victory.
These candidates face starkly contrasting races.
In New Jersey, Sherrill is one of several candidates vying for the Democratic nomination, attempting to portray herself as the optimal choice to challenge the prospective Republican nominee and the Trump administration in the June 10 primary. A recent ad from her campaign warns that Jack Ciattarelli, who received Trump's endorsement this month, would bring the president's "MAGA agenda" to the state. The advertisement underscores Sherrill's record as a Navy pilot and federal prosecutor, positioning her as the Democrat "Republicans fear."
Meanwhile, Spanberger, who represents an unopposed campaign in Virginia, is directing most of her attention toward criticizing the record of outgoing Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. The former CIA intelligence officer has been vocal in her criticism of Youngkin and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, particularly regarding their response to the Department of Government Efficiency. This organization, led by Elon Musk, aims to reduce the size of the federal workforce, which employs over 300,000 Virginians.
Both candidates are presenting themselves as results-driven and prepared to deviate from their party if necessary. Spanberger told news outlets earlier this year, "People can label me however they want as a question of policy, but I think what is the most substantial characteristic that I ascribe to myself is pragmatic."
They are also experimenting with economic messaging, an area where Trump enjoyed substantial support among voters last November. Since then, however, some erosion has occurred amid his trade war. Both candidates acknowledge that, should they be elected in their new roles, they would be better positioned to impact the lives of a larger number of people.
Sherrill stated after a campaign event in Elizabeth, New Jersey, "At this moment, the fight is really in the states, that's where the front line is. It's going to be strong Democratic governors who can best help the nation." She emphasized the importance of Democrats building the party from the ground up, advocating for an expansive view of state power as they work to make life more affordable for voters and run effective governments.
Sherrill also acknowledged the need for Democrats to keep a focus on kitchen-table issues while countering Trump administration policies. She believes they should remind voters of the work being done to reduce costs, even as they struggle with concerns about potential policies in Washington.
Democrats have embraced the opportunity to capitalize on high-profile Republican legislation, with Democrats in 2018 criticizing their opponents' votes in favor of repealing the Affordable Care Act. This time around, Democrats are referencing the sweeping tax and spending cuts proposal House Republicans recently passed. This proposal includes adding work requirements to Medicaid and making deep cuts to food stamps.
Spanberger and the Democratic primary candidates in New Jersey are striving to rejuvenate their party's economic brand or, at the very least, not be associated with it. Patricia Campos-Medina, a labor leader and former New Jersey US Senate candidate supporting Sherrill, claimed affordability is the primary concern for Garden State voters, encompassing issues like housing, transportation, and energy bill costs.
As she highlighted her plan to boost the affordability of Virginia's healthcare and prescription drugs as governor, Spanberger saw similarities between the 2017 health care debate and the current fight over the far-reaching domestic policy bill. She remarked, "Now, unfortunately, we're seeing much of the same, which is an effort to further degrade a health care system that very frankly and objectively needs improvements."
In interviews, Democratic primary voters in both New Jersey and Virginia voiced their desire for governors who would serve as a check on the Trump administration. Many expressed frustrations with the Democratic Party, which they felt either lacked a clear, unifying message or needed to focus more on affordability issues.
Mary Butler, a 74-year-old retired social worker from Mechanicsville who attended Spanberger's speech and plans to support her in November, noted health care access as vital due to its impact on her former clients. When asked to assess the national Democrats' performance, she expressed confusion, stating, "Why isn't there a really strong message being given—one clear, strong message?"
At a campaign stop over Memorial Day weekend, Sherrill addressed housing costs, education, and how she would respond to parts of the president's agenda, such as immigration. Sherrill criticized Republicans for failing to push back on the president, comparing them to sailors on a ship ignoring impending danger due to fear of reprisal for speaking out.
Susan Murphy, a 57-year-old retired theater teacher and Jersey City native, expressed her intention to vote for whichever Democratic candidate wins the nomination but felt Sherrill seemed strongest to face a "MAGA Republican." She pondered what she saw as the party leaders' unpreparedness to confront the Trump administration at the start of his term, stating, "I know that their hands are tied in terms of holding Trump accountable in many ways. My problem is, why weren't they ready? Why did it take so long?"
David Patel, a 59-year-old business owner from Jersey City backing Sherrill, expressed the sentiment that Democrats "need to learn what people want." He occasionally grew frustrated with what he described as his party's tendency to focus on issues "that don't matter." He hoped losing the presidential election would encourage the party to get back on track: "I think they got the message."
- The two successful Democrats, Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill, are running for governor following the return of President Donald Trump to power.
- In Virginia, Spanberger is criticizing the record of outgoing Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin, particularly regarding his response to the Department of Government Efficiency.
- The Democrats' forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey will offer crucial insights for the party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
- Sherrill is one of several candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey, attempting to portray herself as the optimal choice to challenge the prospective Republican nominee and the Trump administration.
- Sherrill's campaign ad warns that Jack Ciattarelli, the prospective Republican nominee, would bring the president's "MAGA agenda" to the state.
- Spanberger and Sherrill are presenting themselves as results-driven and prepared to deviate from their party if necessary.
- Both candidates acknowledge that, should they be elected in their new roles, they would be better positioned to impact the lives of a larger number of people.
- Sherrill emphasized the importance of Democrats building the party from the ground up and advocating for an expansive view of state power as they work to make life more affordable for voters.
- Democrats in 2018 criticized their opponents' votes in favor of repealing the Affordable Care Act, and they are now referencing the sweeping tax and spending cuts proposal House Republicans recently passed.
- Patricia Campos-Medina, a labor leader supporting Sherrill, claimed affordability is the primary concern for Garden State voters.
- In interviews, Democratic primary voters in both New Jersey and Virginia voiced their desire for governors who would serve as a check on the Trump administration.
- Mary Butler, a retired social worker, expressed her confusion regarding the national Democrats' performance and her desire for a clear and strong message.
- David Patel, a business owner, expressed the sentiment that Democrats "need to learn what people want." He hoped losing the presidential election would encourage the party to get back on track.
